Developmental Individual Relationship-Based Model or Floortime

Also known as Floortime, the Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based® (DIR) model is an intervention developed by the child psychiatrist Dr. Stanley Greenspan. The premise of Floortime is to help build upon a child's strengths and abilities by creating a warm, interactive relationship with the child and by meeting the child at his or her developmental level. It focuses on emotional development rather than on specifically targeting speech, motor skills, or cognitive abilities in isolation. However, by following the child's lead, the parent or therapist helps the child to develop social interaction and communication skills. Floortime can be used with children of all ages, and it is often used in combination with behavioral, speech, and occupational therapy. There is emerging research evidence that shows that Floortime produces favorable outcomes for children on the autism spectrum, although more studies are needed before families and service providers can be fully confident that the treatment is effective. It is used in home, clinical, and educational environments, though to be most effective, Floortime should be practiced across settings.

Recommended Link:

• CAR Resource Directory (Select Mental/Behavioral Health – Behavior Therapy)

Additional Resources:

• The Greenspan Floortime Approach
• Floortime, from Autism Speaks®